CONTROVERSIAL plans to develop a beloved green space in Glasgow's west end has been "called in" by the Scottish Government.
Ministers will now make the final decision on whether or not to allow the development of 90 flats on North Kelvin Meadow and children's wood.
Glasgow City Council rubber stamped the plans for the former Clouston Street playing fields last month after councillors visited the site.
But the decision was referred to the Scottish Government who have now appointed a reporter from the Department of Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) to investigate.
It is understood this is because of the proposal’s potential impact on the loss of valued open/green space and possible conflict with planning policies.
The reporter could call for a public inquiry and a community group fighting to protect the green space say they will be requesting this.
More than 6000 people signed a petition against the development and a long-running campaign to save the meadow has high-profile backers including Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson, actors Colin McCredie and Tam Dean Burn, as well as comedian Frankie Boyle and Franz Ferdinand drummer Paul Thomson.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Scottish Ministers have called in the application.
"Scottish Government officials have written to advise Glasgow City Council of this and the council is now required to refer the application to Scottish Ministers.
"Scottish Ministers will make the final decision on this case following the submission of a report and recommendations from a DPEA reporter."
Campaigner Emily Cutts said: "We are happy with this decision - it is the result we were hoping for.
"We will be asking for a public inquiry and hope that the reporter decides on this as part of his remit.
"This will be the first time in the process that we are given a voice, a chance to put across our arguments.
"We the loss of this land will have a devastating and permanent impact on thousands of people who use the space and has ominous implications for community empowerment across Scotland.
"The land supports a community-led initiative that brings 22 schools and nurseries as well as playgroups onto the land each week, trains teachers and local people in outdoor learning and is a resource for special needs groups, asylum seekers and the elderly.
"It hosts regular events, food growing and has over 200 volunteers.
"It has achieved charitable status, won National awards, and is successfully seeking grant funding."
Sandra White, MSP for Glasgow and Kelvin, said also welcomed the decision.
She said: "Having written to Cabinet Secretary and raised the many concerns of the community and others I am pleased that the Scottish Government have listened to the people.
"I congratulate them on a very well organised and passionate campaign and look forward to working with all involved."
Glasgow City council have previously described the housing development as “much-needed” and pointed to the “substantial receipt for the public purse in a time of unprecedented financial constraints for local government”.
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